Summary:

This property is referred to in many historic documents as "Chapel Barn".

Thumbnail History:

All the properties on the "island" [1-7 Bridge Street] stand on land that was previously the Priory of St. John the Baptist, which had been established in 1232, and was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1548. In 1740 a new road incorporating two bridges was built for easier access to town from Charnham Street, replacing old road in front of Riverside House and through the ford across the River Dun (by Forge Cottage).

Description of property:

From Listed Building records: House, now house and shop. Late 18th century. Tiled roof with flanking chimney to right. Front rendered, side brick in English bond. Three builds – one block on street and further two blocks at right angles to form L-plan and along river bank. Front block: Two storeys and attic, central gabled dormer wide glazing bar sash to right with exposed frame and cambered head; Narrower blocked opening to left, with late 19th century front and door to left, fascia and blind box. River elevation: central block has slightly lower ridge. To left is a blank gable with blocked opening on ground floor. To centre and right, one glazing.

1911 (T&M Register) Albert Parsons (occupier until 1917)1914 (CL) Devisees of Daniel Allen (own): Albert Parsons (photographer) (occ) [It is said that Albert Parsons was unable to live in house after the death of his only son by drowning in Hungerford lock. He moved to 30 High Street (now Barclay's Bank).]

1916/17 (Mrs. A. Froom) Ernest Clements (her father) (watchmaker). [Mrs Ada Louise Froom, interviewed by LPP 28.2.1983 then at 1 Lancaster Square.] Went to National School, married twice. Parents were Ernest and Lydia Clements. They had five daughters: Lydia (b. 1900 – died aged 6 from whoping cough); Ada Louise (b. 1901); Winifred Frances Anne (b. 1905); Marjorie Mabel (b. 1909); and Lilian Marie (b. 1912), who became Mrs. Mundy, and lived in Dunside, 1 Bridge Street until 1994). Ernest Clements wanted a son! Ernest was an apprentice at Mapson's (30 HS) before starting business on his own in the front room of his first cottage (now site of Fairfields in the High Street). Moved to 4 BS c.1907 (rented from Freemans), and later (c.1916-17) to 1 BS (when Mr Parsons moved out after his son's drowning in the Hungerford lock. Ernest Clements never owned 1 Bridge Street; it was in trust to three brothers at Vernham Dean (were they the Devisees of Daniel Allen?). He worked at a bench in the front room, and went by bike, later motor-bike to visit the large houses, including Littlecote and Chilton Lodge to repair clocks. He looked after the Town Hall clock, and devised the mechanism to stop the night chimes circa WWI, previously thought to be impossible. Lydia Clements died in 1951, after which he retired and lived with his daughter Mrs. Froom in Charnham Street. He later moved to another daughter in Mortimer, where he died in 1954. [With thanks to Ernest's grandson Frank Smith]

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